Abstract
Many randomized control trials (RCTs) encounter implementation challenges and MISTT has been no exception. The most salient challenges have come in two areas.
Recruitment issues have included lower census of stroke patients than expected in the providing hospitals; and some differences in perspective by hospital staff on the nature of research and the purpose of this particular project by staff on whom the project depends to initiate recruitment.
Developing the technology tool – essentially a web portal – has been more complex than anticipated. While the content was based on what survivors and caregivers in our pilot phase indicated would be important, a usability evaluation indicated the need for major revisions in the organization and presentation of content. Also, there was less interest in using the web site than expected based on pilot participant interviews.
The presentation will report on how the team became aware of these challenges, the steps developed to address them, and the results of changes made.